Why the Two-Finger Rule Doesn't Work for Measuring a Dog Collar
If you've ever bought a dog collar, you've probably heard the two-finger rule.
The advice is simple: put the collar on your dog and check that you can fit two fingers underneath it.
It's an easy idea to remember, but there's a problem when you're trying to get a really good fit.
Two fingers aren't a measurement.
Your fingers may be wider than ours.
Two fingers on a Chihuahua take up a very different amount of space around the neck than two fingers on a Great Dane.
When we're making a collar specifically for your dog, an actual measurement gives us much more useful information.
What's wrong with the two-finger rule?
The two-finger rule is trying to achieve something sensible: a collar should fit comfortably around your dog's neck.
The problem is:
Everyone's fingers are different
Dogs are different sizes
Collars designs serve different purposes.
Adding fingers to the measurement can mean two very results.
Even the way we use our fingers can change the result. Two fingers held flat take up less room than two fingers placed one on top of the other.
Then we have the enormous difference between dogs themselves.
Two fingers represent a much bigger proportion of the neck on a tiny dog than they do on a giant breed.
For a made-to-measure collar, we can be much more precise.
How should I measure my dog for a collar?
Use a soft tape measure and measure as directed in the measurement photo.
The number on the tape gives us an actual measurement that we can use when making your collar.
Because we make a range of specialist collars, it is important to measure by following the instructions for the specific design you are buying. Especially important in our non-adjustable or slip on styles. We may ask you to measure your dog's head or neck depending on style.
Should I add extra centimetres for comfort?
Give us the measurement rather than adding your own allowance.
When we ask for a neck measurement, that measurement helps us make the collar to fit your dog correctly.
Adding extra centimetres because you want the collar to be comfortable can result in a collar that's larger than expected. We do the maths to make sure it fits well.
Measure accurately and let us make the collar.
This is particularly important with made-to-measure leatherwork. A clear measurement is something we can reproduce in our workshop.
Does collar width affect the fit?
Yes.
A narrow collar and a very wide collar sit differently around the neck.
The dog's size and build also affect which widths are suitable.
That's why we look at width and fit together, rather than treating every collar as the same strip around the dog's neck.
If you're choosing between our Thin, Standard, Large and Wide collars, we've put together a separate guide showing the different widths on real dogs.
Should a tiny dog's collar fit differently?
Tiny dogs particularly benefit from accurate measuring because a small difference is a bigger proportion of a little neck.
They also need appropriately scaled equipment
A measurement gives us much better information than trying to translate the size of somebody's fingers onto a very small dog.
Should a house collar fit differently from a walking collar?
A house collar has a different job from a walking collar.
Our house collars are designed to give your dog a lightweight place to carry their ID tag around the home and at other times when they aren't wearing their main walking collar.
Many owners prefer their house collar to sit comfortably and unobtrusively around the neck.
Different collars can be fitted and made for different jobs.
This is particularly useful for larger dogs. A big dog can wear a lightweight Thin house collar for their tag and change into a more substantial collar for walking.
What about martingale collars?
Martingales work differently from ordinary buckle collars, so their fit needs to suit the way the collar is designed to work.
Rather than relying on a general finger rule, follow the measuring instructions for the particular martingale you're ordering.
Correct measurements help us make the collar so that its tightening and relaxed positions work as intended on your dog.
Different collar constructions can require different measurements, so use the instructions given for the collar you're ordering.
What about sighthounds?
Sighthounds are another good example of why fit is about more than fitting two fingers beneath a collar.
Their long necks and relatively narrow heads can influence both the style and fit of the collar.
A wide hound collar can give broader coverage around the neck, while a correctly fitted martingale or slip collar can be useful for dogs whose head shape makes collar security particularly important.
An Italian Greyhound and a much larger sighthound share some of the same proportions, but the equipment needs to be made at the right scale for each dog.
How should I measure a long-haired dog?
Measure the dog rather than simply measuring the outside of their coat.
Use the tape where the collar will naturally sit and keep it comfortably against the neck.
Collar construction can also make a difference for long coats. Our rolled leather collars are a popular choice where owners want to reduce the matting or marking that some flat collars can cause.
Can I measure a collar my dog already owns?
A well-fitting existing collar can sometimes be useful, particularly if you already know that your dog is comfortable in it.
However, how that collar is measured matters.
A measurement taken from one end of a collar to the other isn't necessarily the same as the size it gives when fastened around the dog's neck.
Follow our measuring instructions for the particular Kegdog collar you're ordering, or ask us if you'd like to use an existing collar as your reference, we will help you to get it right.
What if I'm not confident about my measurement?
Ask us.
We make our collars in our Bolsover workshop and we're happy to help with fitting and measuring questions before we start making your order.
Dogs come in an extraordinary range of shapes and sizes. Some have particularly thick coats, unusual proportions or fitting requirements that aren't easily covered by a general guide.
We also welcome custom work.
If your dog needs something different from the options shown on the website, tell us what you're looking for. If we can make it work comfortably and safely, we'll be happy to discuss it with you.
So, how tight should a dog collar be?
A collar should sit comfortably and securely on the dog and be suitable for the job it's being asked to do.
Follow the measuring instructions for the collar you're ordering.
Choose a width and style appropriate for your dog and how you'll use it.
Ask us when you need something different.
We'll take it from there.
Every Kegdog collar is made to measure in our workshop in Bolsover.
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